International Women’s Day – 8 March 2017

The theme for International Women’s Day, 8 March, 2017, focuses on “Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50:50 by 2030”.

The world of work is changing, and with significant implications for women. On one hand, we have globalization, technological and digital revolution and the opportunities they bring, and on the other hand, the growing informality of labour, unstable livelihoods and incomes, new fiscal and trade policies and environmental impacts—all of which must be addressed in the context of women’s economic empowerment.

In 2015, world leaders adopted the Sustainable Development Goals, placing gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls at the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Achievement of the goals, including ending poverty, promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, reducing inequalities within and between countries, and achieving gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls, rests upon unlocking the full potential of women in the world of work.

Measures that are key to ensuring women’s economic empowerment in the changing world of work must include bridging the gender pay gap, which stands at 24 per cent globally; recognizing women’s unpaid care and domestic work and addressing the gender deficit in care work; as well as addressing the gender gaps in leadership, entrepreneurship and access to social protection; and ensuring gender-responsive economic policies for job creation, poverty reduction and sustainable, inclusive growth.
Additionally, policies must count for the overwhelming majority of women in the informal economy, promote women’s access to innovative technologies and practices, decent work and climate-resilient jobs and protect women from violence in the work place.
On International Women’s Day, UN Women calls upon all actors to Step It Up for Gender Equality towards a Planet 50:50 by 2030.

Source: UN Women

#BeBoldForChange

This year International Women’s Day are asking you to #BeBoldForChange. Call on the masses or call on yourself to help forge a better working world – a more inclusive, gender equal world.

Soroptimists on International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is an important day in the Soroptimist Calendar, and there are lots of events taking place around the world. If your Club has an event planned please email details to lisa@sigbi.org and remember to send in photographs after the event.

Soroptimist International Port Talbot are holding an International Women’s Day Continental Breakfast at one of their local Churches. Their speaker will be Ms Ruth Buckley BSC (hons) MSC Health Care Consultant “Going the extra mile – Choice, Chance & Change…”.

Soroptimist International St Albans and District is hosting a lively debate with an expert panel, broadcast live on Radio Verulam 92.6FM, at The Maltings Arts Theatre St Albans Tuesday 7 March 7:30pm

This event will be chaired by business expert and academic Roma Bhowmick. Panelists will include: Jenny Brown Headteacher of St Albans High School for Girls, Annie Brewster Councillor and former Mayor of St Albans, Amy Whitehead Commonwealth medallist, Commander Catherine Jordan Royal Navy, Aline Bavister from the pharmaceutical industry and Siobhan Godley tax partner in a London law firm.